Three years ago, my mom and I started a tradition.
One weekend per year, we do a ladies’ getaway. Two days of hiking, relaxing, stuffing ourselves with delicious food and talking through the night.
My mom is no longer the woman who cooks my food or does everything for me, she is a friend I can talk and laugh with.
She is a great cheerleader who texts early in the morning to wish you a nice day.
She somehow manages to stay up to date with all of our crazy lives.
She advises or just listens.
She encourages to take a risk and say No sometimes.
On Sunday, we celebrate Mother’s Day here in Germany.
When I went to the post office in Wednesday to mail something for my mom, the guy behind the counter freaked: “Oh, is it this Sunday? Thanks for the reminder, I need to get something then!”
I can relate. But it also made me think.
Moms invest their entire lives, love and soul – so why do we only give them one day a year to truly appreciate them?
I am not a mom and I don’t know if I’ll ever be.
But luckily I’m surrounded by friends who are great moms.
They model the depths and challenges, but they also allow me to partake in the love and joy children being to your life.
They are the everyday heroes.
Motherhood comes in different forms and shapes.
So what makes a woman a mother?
My friend Sophie, a brilliant mother herself, explores this question in her new photography series define: mother.
Read touching stories and intimate images on her blog.
The cover image is from her beautiful series as well.
Writing for Five Minute Friday today.
thisiskatha.com 
I love your tradition with your mum so much – what an absolutely beautiful thing to treasure! I hope that I get to have such a great relationship with my own daughter one day… Always love reading your words xx
Thanks, Emma! I guess you already cultivate a great relationship with her now and then you can translate that into getaways later on…
Love this, Katha, and thank you for sharing Sophie’s link.
#1 at FMF this week.
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/05/your-dying-spouse-309-never-go-full.html
Thanks for coming by, Andrew! And thank you for showing interest in Sophie’s work!
Great post. I long for these experiences with my mom. But since our story is different, I cling to the moments we do get to share. I’m in the 7 spot this week.
Oh yes, Tara, I can understand that longing (especially if the reality looks so different)! May you have meaningful moments and fulfilling experiences with “mothers” in your life.
What a wonderful relationship you and your mum have! It’s perfect. I know how much she must enjoy it too.
Thank you, Susan!
Wow, I love your tradition with your mother. I’ve been longing to start doing something like that with my best girl friends, because as a mom sometimes you just need your girls, but now I’m wondering what my mom and I could do together. I’ll have to give it some serious thought. Thanks for the idea!
Oh, you should! It’s really nice to have this time together – to spoil her and recharge our batteries in nice places! 🙂
Katha, I’m so glad to be your neighbor at FMF. It has been awhile since I have visited your blog. I love the header pictures! I opened the webpage here and said “Oh I love her!” aloud. I really do love your writing. I am glad you get to spend time with your mom. What a lovely idea to do a mom’s trip! I may need to copy that one. My mom and I like to travel too, but we have not done it just the two of us. Hope you have a wonderful weekend in Germany! I love that country. I hope to re-visit there again soon . Thanks to my parents I was blessed to do a community service trip abroad there between my BS and MS degrees one summer years ago. Enjoy your adventures! Jenn
Thank you, Jenn! I really appreciate this nice feedback!
Glad you got to visit Germany! Where did you go?
Hope you had a great weekend!